Earl Eugene “Gene” Hyman, 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at Edgecombe Health and Rehabilitation Center in Tarboro.

Gene was born on July 4, 1932, in Oak City to the late Murray Hyman and Frances Council Hyman.  Immediately following graduation from Oak City High School, Mr. Hyman enlisted in the US Navy to serve a four-year tour during the Korean War on the USS Wisconsin.  While in the Navy, he married Edna Bryant and to this marriage was born three children.  Following his tour, Gene came back home to work in textiles and farming.  In 1977, he devoted all his time to farming.  He was a lifelong member of the Oak City Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and a Choir member. Gene served as president of the Martin County Farm Bureau, was a member of the North Carolina Cattleman’s Association, and was an honorary member of the Hamilton Gun Club. Gene was very involved with his community and other numerous organizations.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Bryant Hyman, his son-in-law, Charlie Carawan, and a brother, N.C. Hyman.

He is survived by his daughter, Jeanne Hyman Tripp and her husband Bobby of Greenville; two sons, Randy Hyman and his wife Nan of Greenville, Bob Hyman and his wife Julie of Oak City; six grandchildren, Lily, Matthew, Emily, Megan, Brooke, and Ben Hyman; two sisters, Maxine Smith, Kaye Buffaloe and her husband Bill; two brothers, Wallace Hyman and his wife Leslie, Wayne Hyman and his wife, Millie and numerous nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by a special lady friend, Claire Whitehurst.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Oak City Cemetery in Oak City. The Reverend Lyle Brackin and the Reverend Delmus Ayers will be officiating.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the Oak City Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Oak City Baptist Church, PO Box 39, Oak City, NC 27857 or online by clicking here

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of the 600 Hall of Edgecombe Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Letchworth Funeral Home, our Scotland Neck location, is handling the arrangements for the Hyman family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.letchworthfuneralhome.com.